JOHN LOFTON, a native of Philadelphia, PA, and a graduate of the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, began his professional career as bass trombonist with the State Orchestra of Mexico. After three years in Toluca, Mexico, Lofton moved to Hawaii to perform with the Honolulu Symphony. Four years later he became the bass trombonist of the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, where he has performed for the bulk of his professional career. After performing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the winter season of 2004/05, Lofton returned on a regular basis one season later, performing with the Philharmonic as of the 2006/07 season. He began his new appointment as the Philharmonic’s bass trombonist in August 2008.

In addition to his responsibilities with the Phil, he has also toured and recorded with the Cleveland Orchestra and performed with the San Francisco Symphony. In his pursuit of the unalloyed pleasures of professional music, Lofton’s interests also include chamber music, opera, and teaching opportunities, as well as working as a recording artist and record producer with such institutions as the Santa Fe Opera and the Chautauqua Institute Orchestra. He is also a member of Summit Brass, America’s premier large brass ensemble, touring with them throughout the U.S. and Europe and teaching and performing at the Rafael Méndez Brass Institute. In addition to appearing on several recordings, Lofton has produced both solo and chamber recordings.